20th Anniversary of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The European Union and the European Disability Forum held a side event at the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) on 9 June, marking the Convention’s 20th anniversary.

The event discussed the essential role of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities and civil society in shaping disability-inclusive laws, policies and funding priorities. In other words, those living with disabilities must be central to policy developed about them – “Nothing About Us Without Us”.

Article 4.3 of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is one of the principal priorities. This requires governments and institutions to actively involve and consult with persons with disabilities through their representative organisations. To build a future where the rights of persons with disabilities are best served, the convention stressed the importance of real-life stories and opinions.

This anniversary reminds us of the progress that has been made over the last two decades, but that much work is yet to be done. Lived experiences of persons with disabilities, solidarity, structural support and long-term commitment remains fundamental to driving change.